Juliette Darnley

Juliette Darnley, a Human Resources Manager from New Zealand had a lifelong dream to continue her education journey and complete her MBA. And not only did she go on to complete her MBA, but she is also currently completing a further 4 subjects to attain a second MBA!

Why did you choose AIB?

I did a lot of research. There were two key criteria for me that really stood out. The first was there was 100% online. Being a person who had done most of the tertiary education extramurally, being online really fitted with my lifestyle. It fitted with my learning style. I had done some qualifications previously where you had to attend like a particular class at a particular client time, even if it was online. And it was just so awkward. I travelled a lot for work, I had a family I had external interests, so 100% online without restrictions really spoke to me.

The other element was actually the practical side of the MBA. Because doing theoretical learning was fine, but in reality, it didn’t enhance what you were doing very well. So having done a theoretical bachelor’s degree, I knew that I didn’t want to repeat the experience with the master’s. I really wanted something that was practical that would increase my ability to step up at work.

Have you experienced an impact on your career?

I did my project on a subject that was very specific to the industry in which I was working, but it has actually got me subsequent jobs, because it’s now become a real passion and a focus. And I have that really strong research behind me to say what my expertise is with authenticity.

Why are you doing a second MBA?

I love to learn. This time I did a business consulting paper and now my sister saying that her husband’s thinking about starting his own business and I’m like, ‘well, have I got a plan for you’ and so, just love to learn.

And it just fits into your life. You never know 2, 3, 4, 5 years down the line, all of a sudden you can reach back into something that you learned.

Explore more AIB student stories.